Republicans' projected performance rose in every House district in 1996, and
they appeared well-positioned to gain three seats in 1998. The state in 1998
drew new districts due to a voting rights suit, however, with an explicit goal
to protect all incumbents. All incumbents indeed did win by more than 10%, but
Republicans took the open seat. (NOTE: Due to this 1998 redistricting and
the lack of presidential numbers for all districts, predictions are less precise
than others in this report. Still, given the legislature's intent to protect
incumbents, expect few surprises in 2000.)